Richard Arthur Maldonado was called home for his heavenly family reunion on July 14, 2018
This is the story of Richard Arthur Maldonado. Before reading it, grab yourself a glass of Vodka mixed with Sunny-D, because he would have it no other way.
Richards’s life began November 16, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA. He was born to Julian T. Maldonado and Esther Hale Medina. He was blessed with 2 Brothers DR. Robert Maldonado, Raymond Maldonado, retired Los Angeles Fire Fighter, as well as his sister Lucy Acosta, a Seamstress Extraordinaire.
Richard was a graduate of Montebello High in 1959. After graduation he began his lifelong talent of upholstery work and the beginning of a life time of strong work ethics. He Joined the Montebello police reserves training on July 31, 1961 and was subsequently hired by the city of Montebello as a police officer at the age of 23. During his time with the police department he held numerous positions; Police officer, traffic officer, creator-trainer-officer of the vice and narcotics division and sergeant. His career ended November of 1979, due to a job related injury.
In 1971 he befriended a young woman who 4 years later would be known as Gloria Maldonado, “the love of his life” they married on December 6, 1975.
Richard and Gloria began to build their happily ever after. It was 1975 when Richard and Gloria bought horse property in Pico Rivera. The close quarters of their first home, a 21 ft. motor home along with baby Rob brought them even closer together. Between Gloria, Motor Cycles, and horses, Richard found his fountain of youth.
In 1977 the Maldonado’s moved into a home in Whittier, CA. It was there that Richard decided to sell the motorcycle and purchase a boat, thus beginning a new venture in life. In 1978 they decided that the boat needed water, so they moved to Earp CA. and then across the river to Parker Arizona.
He began his own business doing what he loved, upholstery. His jobs continued changing as he joined the La Paz Sheriff Department in 1991, becoming a sergeant 6 months later. The final job that Richard had was a Magistrate in Quartzite. Arizona. When the term of Magistrate ended Rich retired and moved to Bouse, AZ.
In 2004, Rich and Gloria traveled the United States for 1 ½ years. When the traveling ended he settled down in Chandler, Arizona, to be close to his Arizona family.
Richard was a Jack of all trades. If it needed to be fixed Rich was there to fix it. In his life time he had bought, traded, negotiated and undersold 90 plus cars.
His knowledge and wisdom will carry on through those of us that are left behind; his wife Gloria of 42 ¾ years, 3 children, Roger (Izzie) Maldonado, Denise (Thomas) Small, Rob (Maggie) Alkire, his 7 grandchildren, Matthew (Jenifer), Katie (Cory), Jennifer (Reggie), Kevin, Brittany (Allen) Meiya and Brody and his 4 great grandchildren; Anthony, Asher, Robinson and Saylah.